Interview Tips - "Tell Me About Yourself"

Brian Krueger presents another tough interview question - "Tell Me About Yourself."

Do you know how to best answer this question? Watch this video to find out

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• tough
• interview
• question
• questions
• tell
• me
• about
• yourself
• entry
• level
• jobs
• college
• student
• graduate
• job
• search

[penstriker79]

Hello there Brian, I noticed most of the interviewers ask this question. Is it good if I'll start saying where I graduated then tell my achievement in education, then followed by my experiences and achievement at work? And another thing is it right to tell some of your qualities like you're a good team player, etc. Please help. Thank you

[BrianKrueger]

@penstriker79 - as discussed in this video (and other videos), start off with a quick summary, then offer to give examples to back it up. So in answer to your question, yes, cover your education and experience, including your achievements, then offer to give some examples. Always give the interviewer an opportunity to break in with a new question at the end of each example (by using a pause or even asking: "Would you like another example?").

[sakjames]

Hi Brian, I really dont understand what's with "tell me about yourself" question. I mean, why all hiring managers start with this 'going nowhere' question, instead of detail, direct question? They're looking for people with good communication skills, but isn't in communication process you should understand what the question really mean, and ask for more details? So, is it okay if I just ask back to hiring manager "what would you like to know?" with smile + polite manner? Thanks Brian for answer

[BrianKrueger]

@sakjames - it's not a good question for a practiced behavioral interviewer, but it ends up being a standby question that interviewers can ask, then branch off into new areas. It's open-ended, so interviewers often use it as a way to get the interview started. I'm not saying it's right or good, it's just a common question used by many. That said, don't answer with "What would you like to know?" Give a brief answer about your background per the job, THEN ask if they want more details.

[ibowman64]

Hi Brian, I was wondering is it a bad thing that I keep talking about myself and then lead into my experience and why I am the right person for the job? I notice that I tend to want to answer their questions before they even ask. My last interview I covered everything on my own, they never stopped me.Is that a good sign? I did pass but I want to do something different this time? Thanks

[BrianKrueger]

@ibowman64 - it sounds like you might be doing a "one question interview" where the interviewer poses one question (such as "Tell me about yourself...") and you proceeded to talk for the remainder of the interview? Although most interviewers are not practiced and may allow you to take control of the interview, a practiced interviewer will want to get through their set of questions/competencies. Make sure you always pause after each answer, give the interviewer the opportunity to retake control.

[CCSFram]

Thank you.Just had my interview an hour ago.Got the job. :]

[hgsnk333]

first time i answered this question, I gave this answer format "I was born in---, I grew up in ---, I went to school in---" lmao it was an epic fail. i wish I knew this beforehand

[Ahmedi1985]

these videos are good.

and very helpful

[hnoti]

I will have my interview on Saturday, hope this tips works.. LOL

[KaylaMarieeBubblezzz]

@ZombieBuster365 lol thats too funny :)

[KaylaMarieeBubblezzz]

i have my interview today--a little nervous but thanks for the tips :)

[Thamontas]

WOW I cant beleive I have been getting this wrong! I just sat here and completely rethought my answer to this question after watching your video. Thank you very much for this information Mr. Krueger!

[ZombieBuster365]

I read a manager's experience in Reader's Digest about this exact question! The person talked about their whole life for two hours! haha

[Roadmast3r]

Thank you for the videos, it helped a lot. I got the job!

[frizenlf2]

good one

[roh69175]

hey Brian, thanks a lot for the tips. I followed them diligently and it landed me a job in an MNC here. LOL in the past i used to answer questions like"tell me more about yourself " by saying " i like goin out on weekends, spending time at nature parks, etc" . Now I realise what a fatal mistake that was. The tips here have been very helpful, now i am sure i can handle future interviews also. Thanks once again!

[DiiDee66]

"Tell me what makes you the best?" Helped me unserstand greatly. :]